If you’re in search of a hearty, weeknight comfort meal that barely asks anything of you, this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is the answer to your dinnertime prayers. Imagine impossibly tender chicken breasts nestled under a savory, creamy blend, finished with a layer of herby, perfectly steamy stuffing. It’s got that nostalgic flavor you crave with a fraction of the effort, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for irresistible leftovers, this dish comes together with simple pantry staples, leaving your kitchen smelling like a cozy Sunday afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe shines because of its humble yet deeply flavorful ingredients—each one working its magic to create the easy, creamy, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want on repeat. The combination of classic pantry items and a few options for extra veggies means you can tailor it to your household’s taste without any fuss.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for a lean, protein-packed base that turns juicy and tender after hours in the crockpot.
- Stuffing mix: An herb-seasoned stuffing kit lends classic flavors and soaks up all those scrumptious juices.
- Cream of chicken soup: Silky and rich, this soup is the shortcut that brings moisture and creaminess—feel free to swap with cream of mushroom or celery for a twist!
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without overwhelming the rest of the flavors—low-sodium lets you control the saltiness.
- Sour cream: Adds a luscious tang that lightens the creaminess and pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
- Garlic powder: A must-have for an aromatic boost—don’t be shy!
- Black pepper: For gentle heat and a touch of sharpness to complement the creamy sauce.
- Dried thyme: This herb rounds out the blend, lending a woodsy note that makes the stuffing taste homemade.
- Frozen green beans or peas (optional): A pop of green keeps things fresh—add for color, nutrition, and a touch of garden sweetness.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot
Spritz the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. It’s a tiny step, but it’ll make serving (and cleanup!) a breeze, so you don’t lose any of that golden stuffing.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Arrange your chicken breasts in one single, even layer at the bottom of the crockpot. Spacing them out ensures that every piece cooks through, soaking up all the mouthwatering flavors as it goes.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. This mixture becomes the velvety “glue” that transforms everything into a cohesive, savory masterpiece.
Step 4: Spread and Layer
Spread half of the creamy mixture directly over the chicken. This first layer keeps the meat juicy while it cooks. Next, sprinkle the stuffing mix evenly across the top, and then pour the remaining soup mixture over everything. Don’t worry—it’ll look rustic at this point!
Step 5: Add the Veggies (Optional)
If you’re opting for the frozen green beans or peas, simply scatter them around the edges or gently nestle them right on top. They’ll steam to perfection as everything cooks together.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Savory Perfection
Pop on the lid and set your crockpot to low for 4 to 6 hours. When you lift the lid, the chicken should be beautifully tender and the stuffing golden and fragrant. Fluff the stuffing with a fork before serving to let the textures shine.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a grind of black pepper, or a dusting of paprika for color and brightness. If you want to dial up the nostalgia, a few fried onions or crispy sage leaves on top can make this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish is undeniably filling, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, simple roasted carrots, or classic mashed potatoes. For a lighter touch, serve with steamed broccoli or buttered corn to balance out the richness of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style vibe, bring the slow cooker straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves. If you’re feeding a crowd, spoon portions into individual ramekins and broil just until the stuffing crisps on top—suddenly your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe feels extra fancy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe keep like a dream. Simply transfer cooled portions to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s ideal for next-day lunchboxes or round two at dinner.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this comfort classic! Pack cooled servings into freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. The Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe will stay tasty for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat larger amounts in a covered dish at 325°F until steaming hot. If you want the stuffing to crisp up a bit more, uncover for the last few minutes in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and always turn out incredibly tender in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cook time as they may need a smidge less than breasts.
Does the stuffing get soggy in the crockpot?
Nope—the stuffing absorbs moisture but retains its texture. If you like it extra crisp, briefly broil the top after crockpot cooking or serve with crunchy fried onions.
Can I prepare Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe the night before?
Yes! You can assemble everything (except the veggies, if using—add those just before cooking) and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it straight into your slow cooker and go.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your soup is gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a celiac-friendly favorite with minimal swaps.
What soup can I substitute for cream of chicken?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soups both work wonderfully here, each bringing a slightly different flavor to your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe. Use what you love or what’s in your pantry.
Final Thoughts
If you love cozy, flavorful, hands-off dinners, this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Give it a try and see for yourself just how easy, comforting, and downright delicious slow cooker meals can be!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with a creamy sauce, savory stuffing, and optional vegetables for a complete meal cooked in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Stuffing Mixture:
- 1 box (6 oz) herb-seasoned stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Optional:
- 2 cups frozen green beans or peas
Instructions
- Prepare Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Mix Soup: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and thyme.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the soup mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle the stuffing mix evenly over the top, then pour the remaining soup mixture over the stuffing.
- Add Vegetables: If using, add the optional vegetables around the edges or layer them on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve: Fluff the stuffing slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as a variation.
- For added flavor, consider including sautéed onions or celery in the stuffing layer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
